Computer & software recommendations
We recommend that all students come with a well equipped laptop computer (for free movement across the college). WiFi is available throughout our campus and all residence halls have ethernet ports.
Note: You are not required to purchase a computer or software, as we have computer labs for you to use. To succeed using our labs alone, however, will require your careful time management.
Tips:
Before buying anything, check our discounts and campus software (you might not wish to buy what we already have available).
The York College Bookstore offers a variety of computers for students and faculty.
Internet service & device discount
If you receive a Pell Grant, or if your household has low income or has experienced significant income loss since February 2020, then you may qualify for a federal discount on your internet service and a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. Act quickly; funds are limited and the program will end 6 months after the COVID-19 health emergency is declared over.
Learn more about (or apply for) the Emergency Broadband Benefit program.
Our minimum suggestions
Computer
Laptop
Note: Not a Chromebook.
Processor: Intel Core i5
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB SSD
Webcam
Note: It may be external and is primarily for remote classes.
Any additional major recommendations are listed below.
Software
Microsoft Office 365
Note: We offer this for free.
Any major recommendations are listed below.
What the YCP Majors recommend
If any major has computer or software recommendations beyond our minimum suggestions above, they're contained here. Please contact us with any questions.
Chemistry
Computer
Operating System: Windows 10
Additional useful items
Headset with microphone
For remote class meetings.
10 foot cat6 ethernet cable
For a wired internet connection in your residence hall.
ACC ethernet adapter, if your laptop does not have an ethernet port.
To use with the ethernet cable.
HDMI, mini display port, or USB-C adapter, if your laptop does not have these ports.
To present in our smart classrooms.
500GB or larger external hard drive or solid state drive (SSD)
To backup up your laptop’s hard drive.
Antivirus
We recommend using Windows Security, which is a default on all Windows 10 computers. If you have a computer without Security, then we suggest choosing a software with up-to-date definitions and routinely scheduled virus scans.
Notes:
No antivirus is required to connect to the York College network.
We do not provide antivirus software.